Sometimes, the simple act of reading becomes such a riveting experience that every spare moment must be devoted to it. Previously, books like The Mountain Story by Lori Lansens and Armada by Ernest Cline have given me that feeling.
Yesterday evening, I finished a book which gave me that feeling and then some: The Illegal by Lawrence Hill.
This work of fiction is almost four hundred pages, but I breezed through it in five days. It’s not light reading by any means, but its story is so efficiently structured and paced that delving into it was such a pleasure. It introduces many characters, but not so many that I lost my way at any time. I did, however, frequently review earlier chapters to jog my memory.
It’s a pity that this is my first experience with Lawrence Hill’s work. I’m probably the only person in Canada who hasn’t read The Book Of Negroes yet, but don’t be surprised if I change that! If it’s nearly as good as The Illegal, then I’m in for another treat.
Speaking of treats, this year’s Canada Reads longlist becomes a five-book shortlist tomorrow. The Illegal is on the longlist and I’ll be very happy if it ends up being one of the final five. In the right panelist’s hands, The Illegal has a significant chance of becoming Lawrence Hill’s second book to win Canada Reads, especially given its timeliness in relation to Canada’s response to the Syrian Refugee Crisis.
The book I’m currently reading is also on the longlist. Given the buzz surrounding it, I won’t be surprised if it’s also shortlisted.
Interesting fact: Lawrence Hill has one sister and one brother. You may have heard the brother’s work.
Sherlock Poirot 
When you’re done reading The Book of Negroes, make sure you watch the mini series! I just reviewed “The Illegal,” and I enjoyed it. It’s such a well crafted and timely story.
I saw the book while picking up the final Canada Reads selection today, but I have another book to read after I finish that! “Book Of Negroes” will have to wait for a bit.